Our Founders

In 1995, philanthropists Zachary Fisher and David Rockefeller joined forces to build the Fisher Center laboratory at The Rockefeller University. The two men raised $5 million each to begin construction on what would become one of the largest and best-equipped scientific facilities for Alzheimer’s research in the country.

Zachary Fisher (September 26, 1910 – June 4, 1999) established the Center after his wife Elizabeth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

He was quoted at that time, as saying “I know that an answer will not be found in time to help my beloved Elizabeth, but I want to do what I can to find a cure so that others will not have to suffer through the ravages of this disease as my wife and I have had to.”

A noted philanthropist, Zachary Fisher not only helped start the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation but these sister charities as well:

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Features aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, home to Space Shuttle Enterprise, submarine USS Growler and over 25 aircraft with a mission to honor our heroes, educate the public and inspire our youth.

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund: Provides close to $150 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. Its Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio, Texas is a world-class physical rehabilitation center for military personnel who have been catastrophically disabled, and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda, Maryland addresses the critical issues of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder faced by our wounded troops.

Fisher House Foundation: Is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment at military or VA medical centers.